A little after midnight, as the television screen came alive with the players coming on to the field - with Andrea Bocelli's live, heavenly vocals resonating the stadium (Stadio Olimpico, Rome), I felt the goose-bumps. More importantly, it was the crucial question that waited to be answered: Who's bigger? Cristiano Ronaldo of Man-U? Or Lionel Messi of Barca?
Needless to say, it was a contrast of physiques and demeanours of Ronaldo and Messi, the two contemporary football legends that was being put to test.
While Ronaldo is more assertive and unpredictable, Messi relies on technique, more than anything else.
Cristiano Ronaldo is often called the Wonder Kid of football. His powerful shots galvanise into easy victory for his team more often than not. While Messi is ever impressive with his flair and finesse.
Sadly, yesterday did not go in favor for Manchester United. Right after the first ten minutes, after the scoring of the first goal against them by the Barca striker Eto'o, I sensed their despair. As if the lines of the Bard came true for Man-U:
"They've got the blues
Into their shoes...
Never shall they win again,
Destined to lose.."
- that's how they played thereafter!
While we saw Ronaldo becoming isolated and frustrated, Messi not only scored the second goal - a fine, cushioned header - after seventy minutes of play, he was central & integral to the fine and focused performance of Barcelona. Messi's status was sealed. But just for now. It isn't the end of story for young Ronaldo. And nor is it the end of the great debate which will surely continue to engage football lovers.
[pics courtesy: DailyMail]
2 comments:
Messi had insisted before the final that he wasn't looking at it as a chance to get one over ManU winger Ronaldo in the race for the year's Ballon d'Or. He even said that he'd have paid to watch Ronaldo in action! And that kind of positivity augured well for the smooth sailing Barca, who went on to win the treble of league, the Spanish cup and the European Cup! The likes of Ronaldo, Rooney, Tevez & Berbatov could do absolutely nothing to stop Messi and his mates at the Euro finale.
well Messi was the hero and i always believe in his potential .. his awesome techniques though ronaldo is the wonder kid but still he proved his skills nicely that day .............
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